Prosperous year ahead for coal and steel

News was prepared under the information support of Online Daily Newspaper on Hellenic and international Shipping "Hellenic Shipping News".

31 Dec 2009

Steelmakers and steel exchange traded funds (ETFs) are girding themselves for a prosperous 2010 after a prominent analyst forecast higher prices for the metal. Following close behind could be coal prices, which are predicted to surge 30% next year.
Recent price hikes for steel from several U.S. steelmakers has put the pressure on for higher steel prices early on next year. First quarter domestic steel prices are anticipated to go up as the pickup in demand will result from a recovery within the sector. Reuters reports that inventories at the mill, distributor and consumer level often provide a cushion against demand swings.
The cost of producing steel is certainly rising. According to The Hindu Business Line, the iron ore prices, which have seen a surge since the lows of June of about $50-60, are now trading at around $90-100 range, while coking coal prices saw lows of around $120 are now trading at around $170. Both of these are used to produce steel. [Coal prices are fluctuating.]
Analysts expect iron ore and coal prices to rise by as much as 30% in 2010 and steel prices are expected to follow suit.
Market Vectors Steel (NYSEArca: SLX): up 111.3% year-to-date
Market Vectors Coal (NYSEArca: KOL): up 144.5% year-to-date
PowerShares Global Coal (NYSEArca: PKOL): up 135.6% year-to-date

Source: ETF Shares